The Warrior Ledgerhttps://thewarriorledger.com
The student news site of Taylorsville High SchoolMon, 17 Dec 2018 20:47:53 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=5.0.3Growing out of Friendshipshttps://thewarriorledger.com/2977/opinion/growing-out-of-friendships/
Mon, 17 Dec 2018 18:24:25 +0000https://thewarriorledger.com/?p=2977As people grow old, so do their passions and their interests. Losing friends will always cause lots of pain, but it is inevitable. Losing friends is devastating, for some it is worse than others.

“During high school I have grown away from a lot of people I used to call best friends. It kind of made me depressed because for most it’s like a ghost of your past.” said senior Vanessa Robles.

As emotions arise, self- conflict also becomes an issue. Students begin to struggle with the comprehension on why their friends have grown away from them. Personally, losing friends allowed me to realize who I really am and what I could become.

On occasion, there are factors and things that lead up to growing apart. Senior Meghan Hughes said, “Well sometimes it’s just how fake a person is so I think the only difference is I know when people are being real more often. I got really irritated, and they were rude when it was unnecessary and would ditch me constantly.“With my closest best friends, we always kind of had a small break whenever they would start dating someone new because instead of focusing on our friendship their relationship seemed more important.” said Robles. Friendships are very important to have, but sometimes when someone gets in a relationship, it sort of drags a friend away.

Although losing friends seems like a tough thing to deal with, sometimes it’s better to have them out of your life. “I told her she was becoming toxic and I couldn’t handle it if she was going to stay that way because she wasn’t hurting me, she was hurting people I was really close with and I couldn’t keep watching it. It was so hard to watch my really close friends that I loved get torn down by her and one day I just snapped.” said Hughes.

If someone has toxic friends, it is okay to let go and allow yourself to grow and be your own person. Toxic friends aren’t healthy to have around, but it is okay to lose friends. At some point, everyone will lose somebody close to them.

]]>Gift Givinghttps://thewarriorledger.com/2970/opinion/gift-giving/
Sat, 15 Dec 2018 01:25:37 +0000https://thewarriorledger.com/?p=2970The end of Thanksgiving not only brings lots of leftovers but also black Friday shopping, and with it gift giving. The constant struggle of ‘Oh no! What’s their sweater size?’ and ‘Is this their favorite color?’ to your wallet screaming from emptiness. Until the unspeakable happens, Becca, that girl from your English class that you haven’t talked to in five years buys you a necklace. Panic.

“I feel pressured into buying stuff and feel like I’m not gonna have enough money to buy things for my family, but I’ll make it work somehow,” said senior Hector Rios. The most annoying part of gift giving is receiving the gift. Especially when you didn’t have a gift planned for the person that just gave you that neatly wrapped box.

The average high school student goes through the similar five steps of acceptance: Starting with Denial. ‘Naw, I don’t need to get them anything right?’ Then anger ‘ughh I can’t believe I have to get out of my bed to go to Walmart on my day off!’. Bargaining, ‘Well, it’s not like they’ll ever know how much this gift was right? Let’s get the cheaper one!’ Depression, *crying* ‘I don’t even have wrapping paper or tape.’ Acceptance, ‘Fine *purchases gum*.’

The guilt that many students and adults feel when someone buys them a gift is somewhat of a paradox. “It’s just a nice gesture,” said senior Itzel Alamilla. When buying someone a gift it’s best to just explain that gift giving is not equivalent exchange! This transaction isn’t a trade, it’s a gift, meaning free. Yes, it’s often natural for people to be expecting something in return when really all some students can give is a ‘Thank you’.

“Instead of stressing about gifts for every single one of our friends, we’ve decided to do either white elephants or secret Santa so we can kind of lower the amount of stress that we have to put on ourselves for choosing gifts for so many people,” said Art teacher Nicole Lavely.

The many sleepless nights and long days at the mall is a true struggle when shopping for Christmas gifts. That’s the beauty behind Secret Santa and White Elephant Parties. Why spend $50+ each for all your 20+ friends when you can just buy one! Genius. Not only that but if it’s a secret Santa/white elephant party, you can make it so no one knows who bought what! Genius.

With the ever-growing tears collected from everyone around the world on Black Friday, it’s good to remember what Christmas is really all about . . . . . the gifts. Just kidding!

All the traditions and eggnog, and maybe snow if you’re lucky, really help you remember that Christmas is not about the gift, it’s about being together with loved ones, getting blackout drunk, spending time with those important people in your life, and waiting for a mysterious bearded man to break into your house.

]]>How Leadership Roles Positively Influence Studentshttps://thewarriorledger.com/2965/opinion/2965/
Sat, 15 Dec 2018 01:19:30 +0000https://thewarriorledger.com/?p=2965Jobs, clubs, home, no matter where you are, being in charge would be better than having no say. It’s those in charge that choose what to do, and only they have authority. Leaders are what hold the aspects of society together.

Being a leader allows for many opportunities and influences on who you are. “It has allowed me to grow, instead of messing around I have to be the serious one at work to ensure everyone is safe and making sure that I’m keeping the company in a good image,” said Vanessa Robles, Food Court Department Leader at Jordan Commons Megaplex. Leaders can’t always think of themselves, because of how much responsibility they have.

Responsibility, something that leaders must have in order to succeed in their position. Javier Ruiz, service director for Latinos in Action, said “One benefit I have is being trusted, by being a leader for the class I am able to be trusted by other students.” When being a leader, especially in school it is important that they find connections with students and that in return the students trust them. If trust is lacking, processes will not run as smoothly, and the group will struggle as a whole.

“The hardest part was trying to please everyone. Moving from a team member to a Department lead I had to distinguish many friendship with the other team members. The managers always told me that I had to make the effort to show the others I was above them and not one of them anymore. So because of it I lost a lot of friends,” said Robles. When being a leader, you will always want to please everyone, but that is never a likely outcome.

Although people may not always be pleased with your work, that shouldn’t intimidate you from going for a position. Ruiz said, “I would definitely encourage students to run for leadership.Everyone has a chance you just have to believe you can and be brave enough to go after that chance.”

If there is something that you feel passionate about, look into it. Becoming a leader at school will benefit you when looking into your future.

]]>Awkward Encountershttps://thewarriorledger.com/2959/opinion/awkward-encounters/
Sat, 15 Dec 2018 01:15:01 +0000https://thewarriorledger.com/?p=2959So…you just broke up with your significant other who was in three of your classes, had all the same friends as you and now you have to go to those same classes with those same friends tomorrow…what now?

This happens more often than not where a couple is together for a period of time; they spend every moment of every day together, they have a myriad of classes with one another, and even have the same friends in some instances. This all seems perfect and well for the time being but…what happens when the two decide to end things? You begin to see how this is can be awkward.

Now of course this all depends on how you decided to break up; the awkwardness levels will vary. For example, if you had a huge fight and things were left with an angry, bitter energy between you two, then it is going to be way more awkward sitting right across from them in second period the following day than if you were to simply agree on ending things for the betterment of you both.

Sam Thompson, real name withheld, said, “It was really hard to go into school the next morning knowing what had happened the night before. We had the same friends and suddenly I had to figure out which ones I could talk to, and which ones were on her side instead.”

The interesting thing about “breaking up” with someone is that it can go beyond romantic relationships as well. Various circumstances occur where the friends we once knew and related to aren’t so good for the current upkeep of who we want in our lives. In these cases it is necessary, in order to obtain happiness for ourselves, to cut those toxic people out of the social circles previously prevalent.

Junior Jaxon Gray said, “They were constantly bringing me down and adding negativity that I didn’t feel I needed in my life. I wanted a positive, supportive friendship that helped inspire me to be my best self. I had to do what was best for my own mental health.”

Another person who has gone through toxic friendships is junior Ken Fuentes Raines, who said that things could not be the same after the incident. Everything they used to share together was suddenly ruined and the classes they once looked forward to was something that held awkward, uncomfortable tension.

The main concern of this ordeal is the way people handle these circumstances when they occur. The Huffington Post’s advice leans heavily on the idea of distraction, saying, “Take on more responsibilities…get involved in extracurricular activities. Take up yoga. The busier you are and the more responsibilities you have, the more value of worth you feel.”

Time Magazine also agrees with the idea of distraction, using scientific research in their studies, “Distraction, on the other hand, made people feel better overall…” however, this is explained to only help for a short period of time, and not an effective recovery method. When asked about how he is feeling currently, Jaxon said, “Well after taking time for myself to recover and rediscover what I really needed in my life to be happy, I was able to walk through the hallways with confidence again. I found peace within myself through drawing and fashion. It became the new, positive thing to invest my real self into and feel good about the choices I was making.”

It seems that the general consensus ultimately leads to one thing: take the time to be you. Find activities that make you happy and lose yourself in your work. Once that’s done, you can effectively handle these situations, feeling confident and capable while doing so.

]]>Ace and Arohttps://thewarriorledger.com/2962/opinion/ace-and-aro/
Sat, 15 Dec 2018 01:07:45 +0000https://thewarriorledger.com/?p=2962Although awareness is increasing in and outside of the LGBTQ+ community, the majority of people do not know that asexuality exists. But it does exist only 1 in every 100 people are asexual. This is the reason why it is very uncommon.

Being Asexual, or Ace, is often confused with the biologic term that describes an organism that reproduces by itself. The term asexual is now also being used as a way to describe a person who does not feel sexual attraction or have a desire for a sexual relationship. The LGBTQ+ community realized this term caused confusion with people mixing up the biological and identity form of the word. As a solution they now use the term “Ace”.

Most Ace people do not have significant others, but some of them chose to have partners. Ace’s who do this use romantic terms such as Biromantic which is much like Bisexuality, but excluding the sexual part to a relationship. Pan, Demi, and A romantic terms are used in a similar fashion. Pan Romantics would choose a partner by their personality and heart, not because of their gender. Much like being pan sexual just without the sexual part of the relationship. Partners will decided how far their relationship can and/or will go. It just depends on the person.

Most Ace relationships consist of hand holding and maybe a kiss. This may seem silly to most people, but it’s normal for most Ace relationships. It’s not a phase or a sign of immaturity it’s a life choice. Sometimes being Ace isn’t even a choice, some people may not feel sexual attraction or don’t have a desire to be in a relationship with someone. Celibacy is a life choice very different from asexuality where it is a feeling you may not be able to control. They are not the same thing.

“It’s not a phase at all, we just do not feel the untamed desire that most people feel… There’s nothing medically wrong with us,” Junior, Katt Smith [real name withheld] explains. Smith gives me her reasons for why she feels people dismiss her sexuality and label it as a phase. People who identify as Ace may choose to have a relationship, but not all do. It really depends on the person.

“There are Ace’s who are in relationships and they are happy that way” Says Smith. Ace’s who don’t want to be in relationships are completely fine the way they are. Again Smith adds “It really just depends on the person.”

“… Being Aro [Aromantic] is having little to no romantic attraction,” Sophomore, Jayden Flynn said.“Normally, these people find love in friends and animals. This is a reason why I’m in love with my dog.” Flynn goes on to say “It’s irritating when people say ‘Oh Jayden it’s just a phase’ But I can’t really blame them for not knowing what it is” and they are correct. Asexuality is a minority amongst a minority.

]]>Snarknado :Shark movieshttps://thewarriorledger.com/2956/opinion/snarknado-shark-movies/
Sat, 15 Dec 2018 00:51:30 +0000https://thewarriorledger.com/?p=2956Shark movies are anti-shark propaganda, and they’ve got to stop. You are more likely to be killed by a vending machine than you are to be killed by a shark.

“Jaws” marked the beginning of a new era: the age of the summer shark movie. Two of the most recent have been “47 Feet Down” and “The Meg.” Thanks to movies like these, people all over the world over are terrified of sharks, and because humanity as a whole has a jacked up fight or flight response, we kill them, despite the glaring factual inaccuracies in shark movies.

Here’s the first Megalodon-sized issue: in “Jaws,” this giant maniac shark just decides to start murdering and eating people, right? The only problem is that sharks rarely decide, apropos of nothing, to start mauling innocent beachgoers. They’re kind of like people; most of them are okay, but every once in a while one of them goes absolutely bonkers, and then you get the shark version of Ted Cruz-sorry, I mean Bundy.

Sharks bite people for a few reasons, and it’s rarely ever truly malicious, and honestly probably deserved. The first reason is that humans on surfboards look like turtles or sometimes seals, two things that, unlike humans, are definitely on a shark’s menu. Sharks usually take a “Humans are friends, not food” stance. People have an awful taste that probably comes from our awful personalities.

The second is that sharks are like small children in that they explore their environment with their mouths. Fortunately, the second sharks realize that the human whose arm they’ve got in their mouth is not a tasty snack, they swim away. The fact that sometimes they do this with someone’s limb is sad, but ultimately an unfortunate side effect of the circle of life.

You are more likely to be killed by a fellow human than you are to be killed by a shark (in 2017, there were only five people killed by sharks as per the Florida Museum, but according to Statista, in the same year there were 17,824 murders in the US alone) but the Purge still isn’t an actual thing. If we’re going to borrow any herring-brained, needlessly violent ideas from movies, maybe it should be that one. According to the Smithsonian, humans kill approximately 100 million sharks a year (it should be noted that shark movies are not the only cause of this, there are other factors). The loss of this many sharks is devastating to ecosystems and can destroy coral reefs. You can kill a shark, but you’re killing Nemo, too.

]]>Staff Ed: New Voiceshttps://thewarriorledger.com/2953/opinion/staff-ed-new-voices/
Sat, 15 Dec 2018 00:47:01 +0000https://thewarriorledger.com/?p=2953On November 2, the Warrior Ledger staff attended the Utah High School Media Symposium at Utah Valley University. There, the staff was introduced to New Voices. This movement aims to increase freedom of speech for high school journalism students by introducing protective bills to state legislatures. We as a staff believe that Utah should adopt New Voices legislation in order to ensure that student journalists across all districts and schools have equal protections. The Supreme Court Case Tinker v. Des Moines established that students’ First Amendment rights are protected in public schools. After Tinker, however, a series of Supreme Court cases began to limit student speech determined to be lewd, obscene, or disruptive. In 1988, the decision for Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier stated that public schools can limit speech that is school-sponsored and that school officials have a right to make editorial decisions regarding school publications. The Warrior Ledger is considered a school-sponsored publication, and our articles will be censored if they violate Utah laws or Granite School District policy. We have been lucky enough to have a supportive school staff that does not limit our speech beyond these guidelines. However, we also recognize that other schools are not as fortunate.Under Hazelwood, censorship often falls to the discretion of school officials. Because of this, articles may be censored not because they violate Utah guidelines, but because they violate the personal morals, beliefs, or comfort levels of the censor. These factors should not play a role in whether or not an article is considered appropriate for publication. Without further protections for school newspapers, the nature of the law creates the possibility that students might be censored on unfair grounds. New Voices works to fight this problem. As of February 2018, thirteen states have passed some form of New Voices legislation. For example, Nevada passed a bill in 2017 that protects student journalists from punitive action if their material unintentionally causes a substantial disruption at the school. Vermont now protects school-affiliated media from censorship so long as it does not break the law. And North Dakota’s New Voices Act further clarifies that students’ First Amendment rights generally align with citizens’ rights. Student journalistic standards become more clear and the protections more effective with these laws in place. In Utah and other states without such laws, the burden falls on the students to prove that their material is appropriate for publication. Rather, the burden should fall on schools to prove that censorship is justified. The Warrior Ledger is not advocating for the loosening of journalistic standards. Student journalists should report with integrity, honesty, and professionalism. As long as they adhere to these standards, student newspapers should not be censored on the basis of their content.

]]>The controversy of adulthoodhttps://thewarriorledger.com/2816/opinion/the-controversy-of-adulthood/
Sat, 15 Dec 2018 00:42:39 +0000https://thewarriorledger.com/?p=2816When is a person officially considered an adult? Is it when they turn 18, 21, or 25? The common response would be 18. However, this is not scientifically accurate. So then, do we establish the concept of adulthood based on research or societal practices?

“[…] the human brain doesn’t fully stop growing and learning until age 25, so probably 25 [is when a person should be considered an adult],” said senior Rose Stoddard.

According to Merriam-Webster and Dictionary.com, the definition of adult is fully-developed and mature. In regards to this description, an individual would reach adulthood upon turning 25, when their brain is fully developed. One could also argue that if a 21 year old’s brain is mature enough for them to consume alcoholic substances, then they are mature enough to be deemed an adult.

“I personally think [someone is an adult] at 18 because they get legal rights and they can do anything without parental consent,” said senior Alex Richmond. Once an individual turns 18, they are then able to vote, buy guns, get a tattoo, smoke, and join the military. While these are all mature activities, do they mark the age of growth?

Another viewpoint is that adulthood is not characterized by age at all. Instead, it is the period in a person’s life when they begin to take care of themselves and mature emotionally. “[…] my opinion is that I don’t consider someone an adult based off of their age,” said senior Danika Shane. “ I base it off of how they act and how much responsibility they are given.”

In this respect, an emancipated 16 year old would be more of an adult than an unemployed 25 year old living in their parent’s basement. The teenager would be more responsible for themselves and would have a stronger mindset.

The controversy over age isn’t just when someone has grown out of their adolescence, but it is also about the laws and limitations formed on the foundation of adulthood. Should the age restriction on consuming alcoholic beverages be 16, 18, 21, or 25? Should an 18 year old be able to make life-altering decisions like smoking or joining the military?

Some believe that current laws in relation to age are logical and well-executed, while others think that the age restriction to drink and join the military should be raised. It is hard to say whether or not someone whose brain has not completely progressed can entirely comprehend consequences for actions that could affect them later on down the road.